Dont take a holiday hiatus from the job hunt, says Careerjournal.com

PRINCETON, N.J. ó Job seekers who take a hiatus from their job hunt during the holiday season may be missing out on the best time to find new employment, says CareerJournal.com, The Wall Street Journalís executive career guide.

While the holiday season was once fairly relaxed, few companies can afford to be idle in todayís fast-paced business environment. Organizations with fiscal years starting in January are finalizing new budgets and interviewing candidates for new openings funded for 2006.

ìMany companies are busier filling positions between Thanksgiving and New Yearís Eve than any other time of the year,î says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerJournal.com. ìPositions often open up as transitioning employees quit their jobs in order to move to new positions that start just after the New Year. And competition is lighter as many other job hunters focus on holiday-related activities.î

CareerJournal.com says job seekers should keep working at their job search all the time. Holiday job-hunting may be easier because many hiring managers have a more relaxed attitude during the holiday season and there are more opportunities to network at holiday social events. Recruiters and hiring managers are often receptive to being approached at holiday gatherings by candidates who inquire if they could call them to talk through their career options.

ìFriends and former business associates are often glad to rekindle old ties at this time of year,î Mr. Lee says. ìPeople may have more time to get together for lunch or have a phone conversation about career opportunities.î

CareerJournal.com offers these suggestions for advancing your search during the holidays:

Network with hiring managers and recruiters.

Monitor job postings and ads.

Send holiday greeting cards to recruiters, hiring managers and networking contacts.

Make recruiters aware youíre available.

Post resumes online.

Reconnect with friends and former colleagues.